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On 4/22/2009 9:16:08 AM Colonel Ron Baldinger, U.S. Africa Command Inspector General wrote
International Defense Acquisition Resource Management Conference
On 14-17 April 2009, I attended the International Defense Acquisition Resource Management (IDARM) Conference in Rabat, Morocco. The conference was conducted by the School of International Graduate Studies, United States Naval Postgraduate School, and it focused on 21st Century Defense and Armaments Policy Issues and Challenges. My part in this outstanding forum was served as a panel member addressing the subject of "Building and Sustaining Integrity in Defense Decision Making." In attendance were military representatives from several African nations to include Morocco, Botswana, South Africa, Senegal, Kenya, Ghana and Cameroon.
As the Inspector General (IG) for U.S. Africa Command, I was very happy for the opportunity to address such an important conference. I was joined in these panel activities by professors from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, distinguished academics from Europe and Africa, and defense acquisition experts from non-governmental organizations.
Throughout the conference, there was lively discussion from both panel members and attendees. Topics of focus ranged from the construct of Capability Based Planning to considerations of equipment lifecycles, environmental concerns and acquisition integrity. My presentation to the group explained the purpose and functions of the Inspector General in U.S. Africa Command and its role in accountability and oversight within the command. I also presented our IG Outreach program, which serves to assist our African partner nation militaries who desire to establish IG-like systems within their own organizations. I was extremely impressed with the candor and insight the conference participants brought to our discussion, especially concerning the importance of transparency and accountability in the acquisition process.
I am thankful to our gracious Moroccan hosts who allowed us the opportunity for such a productive conference. I enjoyed the warm culture, delicious cuisine and lively discussions. I look forward to the next time the U.S. Africa Command IG office can contribute to such a valuable event.
On 4/24/2009 2:33:31 AM Javier in C. wrote I find your participation in this conference questionable. Your instruction DoDD 5106.04, June 19, 2006 states that the Inspector General Report on the state of the economy, efficiency, discipline, morale, training, and readiness throughout the command...
So you tell the guy in charge where he's doing good and where he needs to do better. This in the middle of a conference on acquisition.
So you show them how to figure out where they need improvement what to buy to get better and the other conference guys show them how to fill out the forms correctly in order to keep the US defense industry healthy?
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